The document, which was prepared by Family Law researchers at the Ministry of Justice, outlines several ways to protect vulnerable witnesses likely to be cross examined directly in court by their alleged abusers:

Making public funding available to provide the vulnerable party with an advocate

Greater support from judges, including relaying questions to the vulnerable witness on the alleged abuser’s behalf

Creating an inquisitorial system where judges are fully trained to deal with the issues involved

Strengthening links between the judiciary, the courts, and external organisations like McKenzie Friends and the Bar Pro Bono Unit

Producing a ‘Vulnerability’ assessment to best address the individual needs of each witness in a private family law case